A spokesman for the family said Mr Winehouse "told some great stories from childhood about how headstrong she was, and clearly the family and friends recognised the stories and laughed along".

"He stressed so many times she was happier now than she had ever been and he spoke about her boyfriend and paid tribute to a lot of people in her life."

Among the guests at the service were the stylist Alex Foden, who has been credited with creating Winehouse's trademark beehive hairdo, producer Mark Ronson and singer Kelly Osbourne.

After the service, which was led by Rabbi Frank Hellner, Winehouse's body was taken to Golders Green crematorium, where her grandmother was cremated.

The family will hold a two-day shiva - a traditional period of mourning in the Jewish faith.

Alfie Ezekiel, a friend of her father's, said: "Mitch gave a very good eulogy and he managed to get through it very well, considering."

Ezekiel said the service, during which Mr Winehouse was the only family member to speak, was joyful and celebrated the 27-year-old singer's life. "It was very moving," he said, adding that . between 300 and 400 mourners attended the service. Guests left clutching pictures of the star.

A postmortem examination carried out on Monday failed to establish the cause of her death. Further toxicology tests will be carried out, with a definitive result expected in two to four weeks.

The 27-year-old singer, who fought a well-documented battle with drugs and alcohol, was found dead at her home in Camden Town by her bodyguard at around 4pm on Saturday. Police have said only that her death is unexplained, and that speculation regarding an overdose is "inappropriate".

Her parents made a tearful appearance outside their daughter's north London home and spoke to mourners, thanking them for their support.

Mr Winehouse, who flew back from New York on hearing the news of his daughter's death, told fans who had left handwritten notes and bouquets in memory of the singer: "I can't tell you what this means to us. It really is making this a lot easier for us.

"Amy was about one thing and that was love. Her whole life was devoted to her family and her friends, and to you guys as well. We're devastated and I'm speechless, but thanks for coming."

He appeared also to address reporters, many of whom he has known for several years. "You've got to do what you've got to do. I know a lot of you. We've been together for five, six years. I'm glad you're all here anyway," he said.

The impromptu shrine outside her home features photos as well as cards and notes, including an image of Winehouse posing in a bar. There is also a picture, amended by artist Mysterious Al, showing her face with monochrome cartoon eyes and a white lightning strike in her beehive hair. Other less wholesome tributes were also on display, including half-full bottles of vodka and packets of cigarettes.

Fans have also reacted to her death by buying her albums, with both of her records entering the charts. Her influence on female stars has been noted, with Lady Gaga saying she "changed pop music forever". She tweeted: "I remember knowing there was hope, and feeling not alone because of her. She lived jazz, she lived the blues."

Adele, a singer who like Winehouse has achieved huge success with her second album, paid tribute to the singer on her website. "Amy paved the way for artists like me and made people excited about British music again whilst being fearlessly hilarious and blasé," she wrote. "Although I'm incredibly sad about Amy passing I'm also reminded of how immensely proud of her I am, and grateful to be inspired by her."